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Phase and Polarity Issues in Modern Seismic Interpretation*

Alistair Brown1
Search and Discovery Article #40397 (2009)
Posted March 26, 2009
*Adapted from oral presentation at AAPG International Conference and Exhibition, Cape Town, South Africa, October 26-29, 2008
1

Consulting Reservoir Geophysicist, Allen, TX (alistair@airmail.net)

Abstract
Zero phase is the objective of almost all seismic data processing today and its interpretive benefits are well known, however it is
difficult to achieve. No more than 50% of seismic data achieves zero phase sufficiently closely for its benefits and accuracy to be
properly enjoyed. Furthermore, 90 degree phase is a remarkably common accident and, if not identified, can cause havoc to detailed
interpretation.
All interpreters should know how to visually assess the phase and polarity of their data. I regularly meet those who discover late in the
interpretation that the data has a different phase or opposite polarity to what was first thought. In this paper recommendations for
phase and polarity assessment will be made, and several phase circles will be presented. For zero phase data time and amplitude are
co-located, and many interpretive procedures on modern workstations are based on this fact. For other phases complications arise,
because time and amplitude are in different locations. Suggestions will be offered for handling the all-too-common 90 degree phase
data.

Copyright AAPG. Serial rights given by author. For all other rights contact author directly.

PHASE AND POLARITY


ISSUES
IN
MODERN
SEISMIC INTERPRETATION
AAPG CONVENTION CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
26-29 October 2008 by Alistair Brown
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NATURAL PAIRING

GULF OF MEXICO

GAS SAND

ZERO PHASE
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OFFSHORE EASTERN CANADA

ZERO PHASE

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BASEMENT

TOP AND BASE


GAS SAND

TOP OF
BASEMENT

INCREASE IN IMPEDANCE
IS

INCREASE IN IMPEDANCE
IS

RED
EUROPEAN
POLARITY

BLUE

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AMERICAN
POLARITY

900
P
0
60
H

A
S 300
E
00
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ZERO PHASE

900 PHASE

AND THERE ARE TWO POLARITIES OF EACH


Cc 2008 Alistair Brown

P
H
A
S
E
A
N
D
P
O
L
A
R
I
T
Y

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A
S
S
E
S
S
M
E
N
T

O
P
P
O
R
T
U
N
I
T
I
E
S

INTERPRETIVE ASSESSMENT OF
PHASE AND POLARITY

EXAMINE CHARACTER OF HIGH AMPLITUDE REFLECTIONS


RELATE TO GEOLOGIC UNDERSTANDING
ONE OR TWO INTERFACES?

PAY PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO TERMINATIONS


AND TO UNCONFORMABLE REFLECTIONS

SEEK CONCENSUS AMONG SEVERAL OBSERVATIONS


ITS NOT EASY BUT ITS IMPORTANT
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GULF OF MEXICO

ZERO PHASE EUROPEAN POLARITY


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SHALLOW GAS GULF OF MEXICO

ZERO PHASE
EUROPEAN POLARITY

SALT
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SHALLOW GAS GULF OF MEXICO

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PHASE = +900

MIOCENE GAS GULF OF MEXICO

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PHASE = +900

ITALIAN PLIOCENE FLUID CONTACT

PHASE = -900
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IGNEOUS INTRUSIVE ROCK

ZERO PHASE
AMERICAN POLARITY
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MALAYSIAN CARBONATE BUILDUP

PHASE +900
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Dont assume the


phase and polarity
of your data.
Confirm them with
interpretive observation.

2008 Alistair Brown

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